DRDO offers 450 patents for free access to industries

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has given free access to its around 450 patents to industries for commercial exploitation. This move is expected to give a boost to domestic industries, specially in the strategic sector through free access to patents held by the DRDO, which has a network of over 50 national laboratories, involved in research and development.

According to the new policy, the DRDO, under the Ministry of Defence will provide full access to its patents that are filed in India without any licensing or royalty fees. Both the procedure and the complete list of technologies are displayed on its website.

The technologies that are given access are related to missiles, life sciences, electronics and communications, naval aeronautics systems, combat engineering, electronics, armaments are among others that have military applications while some can be transferred to commercial market after some spin offs.

The DRDO has followed other leading R&D bodies like the Council of Scientific Industrial Research (CSIR), Department of Space, National Research and Development Corporation (NRDC), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), that have been offering national and international patents from their portfolio for a fee and royalty. 

This can be considered as a welcome step for start-ups, entrepreneurs and industries. "It's better to offer some patents free than keeping them in the shelf and pay hefty protection fee for its lifetime. After all, commercial exploitation is the key factor that should determine patents", said experts.

This is not the first-time step like this has been taken by DRDO. In 2000, when Mr. George Fernandes was the Defence Minister and Dr APJ Abdul Kalam was the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government, the DRDO in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) had organised a major industry meet to transfer technologies in the DRDO laboratory network. The access to potential technologies of the DRDO labs for commercial exploitation was given to CII members. Although, the move was promising, but not much result was generated.

In a similar move, Dow Chemicals, the global multinational chemical giant had put out thousands of its patents for access to Universities over 15 years ago, in order to boost developments and commercial utilisation.

Those industries which are interested in DRDO's patent must apply with a fee of Rs 1000, along with related technical and financial details. This will then be screened by an expert committee and if eligible a non-exclusive license for one year will be granted.

Previously, the Defence Ministry had formulated Transfer of Technology Policy, Make in India initiative, and Defence Production Policy to promote domestic industries.

Research Centre Imarat (RCI) Hyderabad will organise a one day "DRDO-Industry Synergy Summit 2019" where nearly 300 small, medium and large industries are expected to take part. The topics of discussions involve latest policy framework and opportunities created, high technology collaborations and defence manufacturing, defence export and a Panel discussion on challenges and opportunities for Indian industries.

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.